The 2017 Volnay Clos de la Barre 1er Cru (where half the vineyard was planted in 2011) has a perfumed, generous bouquet of ample ripe red cherries, wild strawberry and subtle brine-like aromas that are very well defined. The palate is ripe and fleshy on the entry, offering good depth and flesh, with layers of raspberry coulis , crushed strawberry, fig and white pepper toward the ample, persistent finish. Superb.

The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Barre Monopole (Maison Louis Jadot) is a definite success, wafting from the glass with aromas of plummy fruit, wood smoke and spices, subtly framed by sweet new wood. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, satiny and succulent, its fine tannins cloaked in fleshy fruit. While these grapes are purchased, Jadot farms the vineyard.

Monopole. Cask sample. Bright crimson. Light, rather vegetal nose. And then a massive whack of ripe fruit on the palate. This should certainly age well. Lots to get your teeth into here. (JR)